Carry Naloxone
Understanding Fentanyl and Its Availability
And deaths from opioids have risen rapidly over the past decade, with a particularly sharp increase during the pandemic. Today, more people in the United States aged 18 to 49 die from fentanyl than from any other cause. The cost for families, individuals, and communities is devastating. While we are focused on the immense human impact, the epidemic also takes a significant toll on our economy. The U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee estimates that in 2020, the opioid epidemic cost America nearly $1.5 trillion.
Zero In Wisconsin is a campaign of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Prescription opioids are not the only option for pain management. Other options, like acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy, chiropractic care, yoga, massage therapy, meditation and relaxation, and physical therapy can also help you feel better with fewer risks and side effects. Discuss these options with your health care professional to determine if they will work for you.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is commonly used in medical settings for pain management. However, its high potency and potential for abuse have raised significant concerns regarding access and legality.
Health care professionals are hoping to de-stigmatize the conversation around naloxone. Even people who don’t use drugs or opioids should have naloxone on hand. You never know when you’ll encounter someone in need of this life-saving medication. Remember that opioids like fentanyl are not absorbed through the skin. You can feel safe to touch a person having an opioid overdose without endangering yourself.
Even if your drugs test negative for fentanyl, use caution and follow the harm reduction steps (see below) if you are using drugs for recreational purposes. Together, the trio of a coma, pinpoint pupils and slow or difficult breathing strongly suggest opioid overdose. § It can be administered via a nasal spray or intramuscular injections that will restore normal breathing in someone who has overdosed on an opioid and stopped breathing. O If using substances, use with a trusted person who can respond in case of an overdose. If you are using substances alone, there are resources to keep you safe.
About 39.5 million people lived with drug use disorders in 2021(2). Most people dependent on opioids used illicitly cultivated and manufactured heroin, but the proportion of those using prescription opioids is growing. Because fentanyl is often mixed into other substances, students may consume it without meaning to, which can cause accidental overdoses or deaths.
Can You Buy Fentanyl Over the Counter?
- Pennsylvania’s naloxone standing order is a prescription written for the general public issued by Pennsylvania’s Acting Secretary of Health.
- While many may have a copay for the brand, Narcan, other brands may be free.
- A local woman wants more people in the Dayton area to know about low-price test strips that detect fentanyl in street drugs, and proponents say could help opioid abusers avoid fatal overdoses.
- Any drug in any form (powder, pill) you get from a dealer, friend or an online source could have fentanyl in it.
- Opioids are strong medications health care providers use if someone comes to the hospital in severe pain.
Walgreens has taken a similar approach to other products, including Sudafed. Fentanyl test strips (FTS) are lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay test strips designed to quickly and cheaply test urine for the presence of fentanyl. Harm reduction advocates established that fentanyl test strips can also be used to test liquid samples for the presence of fentanyl, allowing pre-consumption testing of samples to check if fentanyl is present or not. Find it in your community, or have it mailed to you by clicking here.
This means fentanyl is not just a public health emergency with devastating human and substantial economic costs. The illicit drug trade is also a significant threat to our national security. And it is of course a threat to public safety in Mexico as well. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 80 to 100 times stronger than morphine. Pharmaceutical fentanyl was developed for pain-management treatment of cancer patients.
If you have recently started taking an opioid medicine or changed dosage, you may be at a higher risk of having an accident. It is important to follow the directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist when taking this medicine. If you have any of these side effects while taking fentanyl, or if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell, speak with your pharmacist or doctor.
The short answer is no, you cannot buy fentanyl over the counter. Fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in many countries, including the United States. This classification indicates that it is only available through a prescription.
Why Is Fentanyl Regulated?
There are several reasons why fentanyl is heavily regulated:
- Potency: Fentanyl is estimated to be 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine, making it extremely effective for severe pain.
- Risk of Overdose: The narrow therapeutic window means that the difference between a therapeutic dose and a fatal dose can be very small.
- Potential for Abuse: Due to its high potency, fentanyl can lead to substance use disorders and has been associated with a rise in overdose deaths.
Alternatives to Fentanyl
For individuals seeking pain management, there are numerous alternatives available that do not carry the same risks as fentanyl. These include:
- Over-the-counter medications: Options like ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
- Non-opioid prescription medications: Such as certain anticonvulsants or antidepressants.
- Physical therapy: A non-pharmacological approach to managing pain and improving mobility.
FAQs about Fentanyl
1. Can I get fentanyl without a prescription?
No, traffickers often sell illicit fentanyl, which is illegal and highly dangerous. Always consult a healthcare professional for legitimate medical needs.
2. What forms does fentanyl come in?
Fentanyl can be found in several medical formulations, including transdermal patches, lozenges, and injectable forms.
3. Is there a risk with fentanyl prescribed by a doctor?
While medically prescribed fentanyl is monitored for safety, substantial risks still exist, and it should only be used under close supervision.
Conclusion
In summary, fentanyl is not available over the counter due to its high potency and significant risks. Patients in need of pain management should seek guidance from qualified healthcare providers to explore safer alternatives.
